Reversible couch

ABSTRACT

A reversible couch is disclosed. The couch includes a base having first and second opposite sides, first and second opposite ends, and a top surface. A removable backing is provided, configured to rest on or over a portion of the top surface. The couch also has connectors for releasably connecting the removable backing to the base. The couch also includes a cushion. The cushion includes a cut-out section configured to accommodate the backing at different positions on the base. A method is also provided for configuring the couch. The method includes the steps of removing the removable backing from a first section of the base, changing the position of the cushion to accommodate the removable backing along a second section of the base, and installing the removable backing along the second section of the base. Preferably, the couch is a chaise couch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The disclosed invention relates to the field of furniture. Morespecifically, the invention relates to a couch such as a chaise having areversible backing.

2. Description of the Related Art

The general concept of convertible and reversible furniture is known inthe art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,817,573 describes a convertibleliving room furniture set that consists of eight modular pieces that mayserve as either a chair or console table. U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,630describes a convertible seat and couch structure. Dual-faced cushionsections rest on support structures that allow the cushion sections topivot or break apart to form a chair, recliner, couch, or bed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,512 describes an upholstered seating unit. Aplurality of support members attach to an internal frame structure andare movable. In this way, cushions may be easily removed for cleaning orreplacement as individual units. Other patents disclosing convertible,removable or reversible features include U.S. Pat. No. 3,864,764, U.S.Pat. No. 3,972,565, U.S. Pat. No. 4,395,071, and U.S. Pat. No.6,241,317.

There remains a need for a reversible couch. Further, there exists aneed for a method of arranging an item of furniture by moving thefurniture and by also moving the position of a backing on the furniture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A reversible couch is first provided. In one embodiment, the couchincludes a base having first and second opposite sides, first and secondopposite ends and a top surface. The couch further includes a removablebacking configured to rest on or over a portion of the top surface, anda cushion dimensioned to substantially cover the top surface of thebase. The cushion has first and second opposite surfaces. In oneembodiment, the cushion contains a cut-out section configured toaccommodate the backing at different positions on the base.

A means for releasably connecting the backing to the base is provided.In one aspect, the reversible couch may have at least one bracket postconnected to and extending below the removable backing. The bracketposts mate with corresponding bracket connectors disposed within thebase at a plurality of positions. The bracket connectors permit theremovable backing to be placed at different positions on the base.

In another aspect, the reversible couch may have at least one bracketconnector positioned along the first side of the base proximate thefirst end, and at least one bracket connector positioned along the firstside of the base proximate the second end. In yet another aspect, atleast one bracket connector is positioned along the first side of thebase proximate the first end, and at least one bracket connectorpositioned along the second side of the base proximate the first end.

In yet another embodiment, at least one bracket connector is positionedalong the first end of the base, and at least one bracket connector ispositioned along the second end of the base. The base may be a polygonhaving four sides, with at least one bracket connector positioned alongthe base in each of four quadrants of the base. The removable backingmay have two posts, and the bracket connectors may define pairs offemale connectors disposed within the base at a plurality of positionsfor receiving the two posts, respectively. In one aspect, the cut-outsection of the cushion exists within a quadrant of the cushion.

Unique to this design is the reversible cushion and the removablebacking. In One embodiment, the reversible couch converts from a couchwith a left-sided reversible couch to a right-sided reversible couch. Assuch, the function of the furniture piece is not altered. This featurefurther allows users flexibility in arranging the couch in smallerspaces such as apartments or town homes.

A method of arranging an item of furniture is also provided. In oneembodiment, the method includes the step of providing an item offurniture comprising a base, a removable backing configured to rest onor over a portion of the base, and a cushion having a cut-out sectionconfigured to accommodate the removable backing at different sections onthe base. The method also includes the steps of removing the removablebacking from a first section of the base, changing the position of thecushion to accommodate the removable backing along a second section ofthe base, and installing the removable backing along the second sectionof the base. In one aspect, the step of changing the position of thecushion may require flipping the cushion from having its first surfaceresting on the base, to having its second surface resting on the base.

In another aspect, the method of arranging furniture may include thestep of moving the base from a first position where its first end isadjacent to an object, to a second position where its second end isadjacent to the object. This object may be a wall or another article offurniture such as a couch, e.g., a chaise couch.

A method of arranging a chaise couch is also provided. In oneembodiment, the method includes the step of providing a chaise couchcomprising a base. The base has first and second opposite sides, firstand second opposite ends, and a top surface. Also provided is aremovable backing configured to rest on or over a portion of the base, aconnector assembly releasably connecting the removable backing from thebase, and a cushion having first and second opposite surfaces. Thecushion may have a cut-out section configured to accommodate theremovable backing at different sections on the base.

In one aspect, the method also includes the steps of removing theremovable backing from a first section of the base, changing theposition of the cushion to accommodate the removable backing along asecond section of the base, and installing the removable backing alongthe second section of the base. In one aspect, the step of changing theposition of the cushion comprises the step of flipping the cushion fromhaving its first surface resting on the base, to having its secondsurface resting on the base.

In another aspect, the method of arranging a couch may include the stepof moving the base from a first position where its first end is adjacentto a first end of a separate couch, to a second position where itssecond end is adjacent to a second end of the separate couch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentinvention can be better understood, certain drawings or flow charts areappended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the appendedillustrations depict only selected embodiments of the inventions and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions mayadmit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of the reversible couch, in oneembodiment. A removable backing is seen exploded above a base of thecouch.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reversible couch of FIG. 1, with thecushion exploded from the base. The backing is not shown.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a bracket assembly system as may be usedwith the couch of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 presents a perspective view of the reversible couch, in oneembodiment, with the base, cushion, and backing cut away to expose thebase frame structure.

FIG. 5 presents a flow chart demonstrating illustrative steps performedto arrange an item of furniture, in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

As used herein, the term “couch” means any article of furniture on whichone may sit, and which has a major axis.

The term “chaise couch” means a couch which does not have dual armrests.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of a reversible chaise couch 100, inone embodiment. Fundamentally, the couch 100 includes a base 110, acushion 120, and a removable backing 130. In the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 1, the backing 130 is shown exploded away from the base 110.

The illustrative base 110 is rectangular in shape. However, the base 110may be in the shape of any polygon that is capable of supporting thebacking 130. The base 110 preferably rests on a set of four legs 116,with each leg 116 being secured at a lower corner quadrant of the base110. The legs 116 allow for easier movement of the base 110 on surfacessuch as hardwood floors, and allow for easier cleaning of the floorsurface beneath the base 110. In another aspect, the base 110 mayinclude an additional pair of legs (not shown) located intermediate ofthe corner legs 116. An intermediate pair of legs may be especiallysuitable for a couch 100 of extraordinary length. The legs 116 may befabricated from any rigid material capable of supporting the weight ofthe couch 100 and a human body. Suitable materials include a hard woodor durable resin.

The base 110 is fabricated from a frame. FIG. 4 presents a cutawayperspective view of the base 110 of FIG. 1, exposing a framework 168. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the framework 168 is substantiallyrectangular in shape. The framework 168 is preferably comprised of solidwood members. In an alternative embodiment, the framework 168 iscomprised of a rigid component such as plastic, treated wood, woodlaminates or particle board.

The framework 168 is formed by a pair of end frame supports 150, amiddle frame support 152, and a pair of side frame supports 154. The endframe supports 150 and side frame supports 154 may be cut to variouslengths to form various sized couches. The middle frame support 152 iscut at a length approximately equal to the width of the couch 100. Theend frame supports 150 and side frame supports 154 are secured to eachother at right angles. This may be accomplished by insertion of aplurality of fasteners 169 such as screws or nails. The middle support152 may be secured in a similar manner at a central location between theend frame supports 150.

The base 110 length and width are preferably dimensioned so as toaccommodate a person in a reclined position. The base 110 height ispreferably that of an average complimentary couch or chair. In theillustrated embodiment, the base 110 is approximately 24 inches high, 60inches long and 30 inches wide. However, it is understood that thepresent inventions are not limited to any specific dimensions for thebase 110 A durable material such as leather, woven cloth or any othercover material known in the art covers the framework 168 and gives thebase 110 the aesthetic appearance of a single, movable unit.

As noted, the couch 100 also includes a cushion. The cushion is shown at120 in FIG. 1, resting atop the base 110. Preferably, the cushion 120 isdimensioned so as to substantially rest on or cover a portion of a topsurface 113 (see FIG. 2) of the base 110. The cushion 120 contains afirst end 121 that aligns with a first end 112 of the base 110. Thecushion 120 also includes a second end 122 that aligns with a second end111 of the base 110. The cushion 120 may be two separate pieces thattogether substantially cover the base 110.

The cushion 120 is filled with upholstery filler such as foam, downfeathers, layered batting or other filler known in the art. The filleris encased in an upholstery covering or shell such as leather or wovencloth that aesthetically matches the covering of the base 110. Thethickness or height of the cushion 120 is consistent and is dimensionedso as to provide comfortable support to a user. The length and width ispreferably also complimentary to that of the top surface 113 of the base110. In the illustrated embodiment, the cushion is approximately 4 to 8inches thick, 20 to 60 inches long and 15 to 30 inches wide. However, itis understood that the present inventions are not limited to anyspecific dimensions for the cushion 120.

In one embodiment, the cushion 120 contains a cut-out section 124 in onequadrant. The cut-out section 124 is dimensioned to engage the removablebacking 130. In another aspect, the cushion 120 may be dimensioned toaccommodate a pair of removable backings 130. For instance, backings 130may be placed in a side-by-side relationship, or in opposingorientations. In use, the removable backing 130 provides a resting placefor a human arm or back depending on the orientation of the restingbody.

The removable backing 130 shown in FIG. 1 is substantially shaped as arectangle. However, other shapes may be employed. The shape of theremovable backing 130 is preferably formed by a durable plastic orwooden framework. The framework is encased in an upholstery coveringsuch as leather or woven cloth that aesthetically matches the coveringof the base 110 and the cushion 120. The length of the removable backing130 is approximately equal to half the length of the base 110. The widthis approximately 4 to 8 inches. In an alternative embodiment, theremovable backing 130 is substantially the same length as the base 110.In this aspect, one removable backing 130 extends the entire length ofthe base 110. In yet another embodiment, two removable backing 130 unitsmay be placed in a side-by-side orientation so as to extend the entirelength of the base 110. Removable backing 130 units may also be placedon adjoining sides of the base to form a right angle. However, thepresent inventions are not limited by any specific dimensions orplacements for the backing 130.

FIG. 2 presents another perspective view of the reversible couch 100 ofFIG. 1. In this view, the cushion 120 is exploded away from the base110. The dimensions of the illustrative base 110 are more clearly seen.Further, the dimensions of the cushion 120, including the cut-outsection 124, are more clearly seen. Once again, the cut-out section 124is preferably disposed in one quadrant of the cushion 120. The cushion120 may optionally be adapted to have more than one cut-out section 124to accommodate the use of multiple removable backing sections 130.

The cushion 120 has a first surface 123 and an opposing second surface(not seen). In the view of FIG. 2, the cushion 120 is lying on itssecond surface. The cushion 120 is positioned so that the first end 121is lined up with the second end 112 of the base 110. In an alternativeembodiment, the first end 121 of the cushion 120 may be lined up withthe first end 111 of the base 110. This is accomplished by eitherflipping the cushion over onto its first surface 123, or by rotating thecushion 120. In either arrangement, an end of the cushion 120 and an endof the base 110 can abut another complimentary piece of furniture suchas a chair or couch in a substantially perpendicular manner so as toform an extension of the complimentary furniture piece. This allows aportion of a user's body to extend out to rest on the top or firstsurface 123 of the cushion 120. In yet another embodiment, an end of thecushion 120 and an end of the base 110 can abut a wall. By placing thecouch 100 in this orientation, the user may minimize the amount of spaceneeded for the couch 100. The availability of this placement isespecially suitable for smaller rooms.

The couch also includes a releasable connector. An illustrativeconnector is shown at 140 in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 presents a front view of anillustrative bracket assembly system 140. The bracket assembly 140 iscomprised of a bracket post 142 and a corresponding bracket connector144. In the illustrated embodiment, both the bracket post 142 andbracket connector are fabricated 144 from a cast metal. In anotheraspect, the bracket post 142 and bracket connector 144 may be fabricatedfrom any durable materials such as a plastic or metal alloy. The bracketpost 142 has two openings 147 a on an upper portion. A fastener such asa screw or bolt engages each of the openings 147 a in order to securethe bracket post 142 to a framework portion of the removable backing130. The bracket post 142 also includes an elongated member 143 thatextends below the upper portion of the bracket post 142. The elongatedmember 143 has a centrally located single opening 147 b.

The bracket connector 144 includes an aperture 145 that, in use,slideably engages an elongated member 143 of the bracket post 142. Theaperture 145 is substantially oval in shape. The bracket connector 144also includes two openings 147 c on a single wall through an upperportion. A fastener such as a screw or bolt engages each of the openings147 c in order to secure the bracket connector 144 to the framework 168of the base 110. The bracket connector 144 further includes a singleopening 147 d centrally located on a tapered end 148 that aligns withthe opening 147 b on the bracket post 142 when the engaged. A fastenersuch as bolt or screw may be installed through the aligned openings 147b, 147 d. In this way, the bracket post 142 is secured within thebracket connector 144.

In use, one or more bracket posts 142 is secured to the removablebacking 130. In one aspect, a pair of bracket posts 142 extends from abottom surface 135 of the removable backing 130. The bracket posts 142are dimensioned to slideably engage corresponding bracket connectors 144disposed in the base 110. It is understood that the locations of thebracket posts 142 and bracket connectors 144 forming the connectorassembly 140 may be reversed. In this aspect, the bracket posts 142 maybe secured to the framework 168 of the base 110, and the bracketconnectors 144 may be secured to the backing 130 in order to slideablyreceive the corresponding bracket post 142.

In an alternative embodiment, the releasable connector defines a quickconnect system (not shown). The quick connect system may employ pairs ofbrackets, as with assembly 140 of FIG. 3. In this aspect, a springloaded button is centrally located along the elongated member 143. Inuse, a user pushes the button and slides the elongated member 143 intothe aperture 145 and secures the elongated member 143 within the taperedend 148 of the bracket connector 144. Once the elongated member 143 issufficiently secured within the tapered end 148, the spring loadedbutton aligns with the opening 147 c on the bracket connector 144. Oncealigned, the spring pushes the button outward into the opening 147 cthus locking the bracket post 142 within the bracket connector 144. Inanother embodiment, the quick connect system employs snaps or latches.In another embodiment, a releasable connector is provided whichrepresents tenons extending from the removable backing 130, and intoholes along the framework 168 of the base 110.

It is preferred that the releasable connector, such as bracket assembly140, be disposed at multiple positions around the base 110. In theexploded view of FIG. 2, multiple bracket connectors 144 are positionedat varying locations around the perimeter of the base 110. In this way,the removable backing 130 may be inserted or removed and relocated tovarious locations along the base 110.

Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 presents a cutaway view of the base 110to show the framework 168. In the illustrated embodiment, the framework168 is substantially rectangular in shape. FIG. 4 also shows areversible backing 130 exploded above the framework 168. Mostimportantly, FIG. 4 shows one optional positioning of bracket connectors144 along the framework 168.

The bracket connectors 144 are secured to the end frame supports 150 andmiddle frame support 152 at various locations For proper alignment ofthe removable backing 130, the corresponding bracket posts 142 aresecured to an opposing interior face 160 at each end 161 of theremovable backing 130. In an alternative embodiment, the bracketconnectors 144 are secured to an interior surface 170 of the side framesupports 154. The corresponding bracket posts 142 are secured to theinterior face 171 of the removable backing 130.

A method for arranging furniture is also disclosed herein. FIG. 5presents a flow chart 200 demonstrating illustrative steps performed toarrange an item of furniture, in one embodiment. It is understood thatthe order of some of the steps from FIG. 5 may be changed, and that thesequence of steps is merely for illustration. It is also understood thatsome steps may be optional.

At step 210, a user is provided an item of furniture having a base, aremovable backing and a cushion. The item of furniture is preferably acouch 100 from FIGS. 1 and 2. At step 220, the user removes theremovable backing from a first section of the base. At step 230, theuser changes the position of the cushion to accommodate the position ofthe removable backing along a second section of the base. In oneembodiment, this requires the user to flip the cushion from having itsfirst surface resting on the base, to having its second surface restingon the base. In another embodiment, the user rotates the cushion toplace a cutaway section at a different position relative to the base.

At step 240, the user installs the removable backing along the secondsection of the base. In one aspect, installation is done at a positionalong the base where the cutaway section of the cushion is placed.Optionally, at step 250, the user moves the base from a first positionwhere its first end is adjacent to an object such as another article offurniture or a wall, to a second position where its second end isadjacent to the object.

A method of arranging a chaise couch is also provided. In one embodimentthe method includes the step of providing a chaise couch having a basewith first and second opposite sides, first and second opposite ends,and a top surface. Also provided is a removable backing configured torest on a portion of the base, a releasable connector releasablyconnecting the removable backing from the base, and a cushion havingfirst and second opposite surfaces as well as a cut-out sectionconfigured to accommodate the removable backing at different sections onthe base. In addition, the method also includes the steps of removingthe removable backing from a first section of the base, changing theposition of the cushion to accommodate the removable backing along asecond section of the base and installing the removable backing alongthe second section of the base. In one aspect, the step of changing theposition of the cushion comprises the step of flipping the cushion fromhaving its first surface resting on the base, to having its secondsurface resting on the base.

In another aspect, the method of arranging a chaise couch may includethe step of moving the base from a first position where its first end isadjacent to a first end of a couch, to a second position where itssecond end is adjacent to a second end of the couch.

Thus, an improved couch has been provided in various arrangements.Further, methods for arranging furniture such as a couch have beendisclosed. It is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merelyexemplary of the inventions, which may be embodied in various forms. Itis intended that alternatives, modifications and equivalents may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims.

1. A reversible couch, comprising: a base having first and secondopposite sides, first and second opposite ends, and a top surface; aremovable backing configured to rest over a portion of the top surface;and a cushion dimensioned to substantially cover the top surface of thebase, the cushion having first and second opposite surfaces, and havinga cut-out section configured to accommodate the backing at differentpositions on the base.
 2. The reversible couch of claim 1, furthercomprising: a releasable connector for releasably connecting theremovable backing from the base.
 3. The reversible couch of claim 2,wherein the releasable connector is a bracket assembly.
 4. Thereversible couch of claim 1, further comprising: at least one bracketpost connected to and extending below the removable backing; and bracketconnectors for receiving a respective one of the at least one bracketpost, the bracket connectors being disposed within the base at aplurality of positions to permit the removable backing to be placed atdifferent positions on the base.
 5. The reversible couch of claim 4,wherein: at least one bracket connector is positioned along the firstside of the base proximate the first end, and at least one bracketconnector is positioned along the first side of the base proximate thesecond end.
 6. The reversible couch of claim 4, wherein: at least onebracket connector is positioned along the first side of the baseproximate the first end, and at least one bracket connector ispositioned along the second side of the base proximate the first end. 7.The reversible couch of claim 4, wherein: at least one bracket connectoris positioned along the first end of the base, and at least one bracketconnector is positioned along the second end of the base.
 8. Thereversible couch of claim 4, wherein: the base defines a polygon havingfour sides, and at least one bracket connector is positioned along thebase in each of four quadrants of the base.
 9. The reversible couch ofclaim 4, wherein: the removable backing receives two posts, and thebracket connectors define pairs of female connectors disposed within thebase at a plurality of positions for receiving the two posts,respectively.
 10. The reversible couch of claim 1, wherein the cut-outsection is placed within a quadrant of the cushion.
 11. The reversiblecouch of claim 1, wherein the cushion defines two cushions whichtogether substantially cover the top surface of the base, excepting thecut-out section.
 12. A method of arranging an item of furniture,comprising the steps of: providing an item of furniture comprising: abase, a removable backing configured to rest on or over a portion of thebase, and a cushion having a cut-out section configured to accommodatethe removable backing at different sections on the base; removing theremovable backing from a first section of the base; changing theposition of the cushion to accommodate the removable backing along asecond section of the base; and installing the removable backing alongthe second section of the base.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein: thebase has first and second opposite sides, first and second oppositeends, and a top surface, and the removable backing is configured to reston a portion of the top surface.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein theitem of furniture further comprises: a releasable connector releasablyconnecting the removable backing from the base.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein the releasable connector comprises: bracket posts connectedto and extending below the removable backing, and bracket connectors forreceiving the bracket posts, the bracket connectors being disposed inthe base at a plurality of positions to permit the removable backing tobe placed at different sections on the base.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein the cushion: has first and second opposite surfaces; isdimensioned to substantially cover the top surface of the base, butexcepting the cut-out section; and the step of changing the position ofthe cushion comprises flipping the cushion from having its first surfaceresting on the base, to having its second surface resting on the base.17. The method of claim 16, wherein the item of furniture is a couch.18. The method of claim 12, wherein the cushion defines two cushionswhich together substantially cover the top surface of the base,excepting the cut-out section.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein: thebase has a first end and a second end; and the method further comprisesthe step of moving the base from a first position where its first end isadjacent to an object, to a second position where its second end isadjacent to the object.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the objectis a wall.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the object is a couch.22. A method of arranging a chaise couch, comprising the steps of:providing a chaise couch, comprising: a base having first and secondopposite sides, first and second opposite ends, and a top surface, aremovable backing configured to rest on a portion of the base, areleasable connector releasably connecting the removable backing fromthe base, and a cushion having a cut-out section configured toaccommodate the removable backing at different sections on the base, andthe cushion having first and second opposite surfaces; removing theremovable backing from a first section of the base; changing theposition of the cushion to accommodate the removable backing along asecond section of the base; and installing the removable backing alongthe second section of the base.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein themanually releasable connector comprises: bracket posts connected to andextending below the removable backing, and bracket connectors forreceiving the bracket posts, the bracket connectors being disposedwithin the base at a plurality of positions to permit the removablebacking to be placed at different sections on the base.
 24. The methodof claim 23, wherein the step of changing the position of the cushioncomprises flipping the cushion from having its first surface resting onthe base, to having its second surface resting on the base.
 25. Themethod of claim 24, further comprising the step of moving the base froma first position where its first end is adjacent to a first end of acouch, to a second position where its second end is adjacent to a secondend of the couch.